'Our son was saved by a stem cell donor - who we had an unbelievable connection to'

All seemed to go perfectly when Helen and David O’Shaughnessy’s son Miles was born on Valentine’s Day, and they fell instantly in love.

But things quickly became terrifying when doctors began saying “ sepsis ” and “special care” – and by that night, their tiny baby was having the first of many frightening blood transfusions. More heartache was to come when Helen and David were told Miles had a rare genetic immune condition and that if he didn’t have a stem cell transplant he could die before the age of 15.

A global hunt for a donor was launched, and thankfully one found – who bizarrely turned out to work in the same office as David, 39, even though their paths had never crossed. Helen, 39, says: “When we met for the first time it was so emotional. I hugged him and couldn’t let him go. Tears were pouring down my face. Thank you just didn’t seem enough for saving our son.”

Miles was born with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

When Miles was born in February 2000, he had six pinpoint bruises on his chest. Doctors realised his immune system was not working properly and immediately gave him a blood transfusion, which continued every other day. After six months he was diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare genetic immunodeficiency that stops the immune system from functioning properly. Without a stem cell transplant he might not reach adulthood, his parents were told. Helen, a senior associate at a law firm, says: “We were terrified he was going to die. It was unbearable.”

While the stem cell charity Anthony Nolan started searching far and wide for a donor, the tot, who was kept in isolation because he had no immunity, had intensive chemotherapy. He also became the UK’s youngest known baby to have testicular tissue removed and frozen in case he wants to be a father in the future.

Mum Helen at the time of the transplant

Miles recovered well from the stem cell transplant in April 2021, and two years after the transplant his mum was allowed to ask Anthony Nolan if they could contact and thank the anonymous donor. To their delight, the donor agreed. He was analyst Jake Mawson, 27, who worked at the same branch of Jaguar Land Rover as designer David – although they had never met.

Helen says: “We couldn’t believe it. The search for a donor to save Miles was worldwide, so for a match to be in David’s office was incredible.” David adds: “I didn’t know Jake beforehand, but now we see each other all the time and I tell all my colleagues this is the guy who saved my son.”

Miles is now four and doing well

Now, Miles and his family, who live in Tenbury, Worcs, see Jake regularly – and have asked him to be godfather. Jake says: “It’s amazing to see Miles doing so well now. He’s so happy and smiley, and I love seeing him and spending time with him. It was easy for me to donate, but it’s had such a massive impact for the family.”

Charlotte Cunliffe, of Anthony Nolan, says: “Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is the same condition Anthony Nolan had, and 50 years ago his mum Shirley set up the world’s first stem cell register to try to find him a donor who could potentially save his life. We hope their special link lasts a lifetime.”